DOCSLIB.ORG

​Universita' Degli Studi Di Torino

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
​Universita' Degli Studi Di Torino ​UNIVERSITA' DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO School of Management and Economics Master’s Degree in International Accounting Dissertation on: Participation Banking in Turkey: Comparative Analysis, Z/Yen reference & perspectives Relator: Professor Paolo Pietro Biancone Co­relator: Professor Giuseppina Lucia Maria ​ Candidate: Hajar Boulam ​ ​ Academic Year 2014/2015 ​ Abstract. Islamic banking system developed significantly especially in the phase of last financial crisis. Its working principles are believed to be more stable and fair, for these exact reasons many conventional banks are turning up part their assets into shariah compliant assets, either by setting up Islamic windows or establishing subsidiaries. In addition, new Interest­free Banks were set up, both in Eastern and Western countries. This paper work will focus on the Islamic Banking in Turkey. The choice of Turkey was made for several reasons. Firstly, is a country that gathers East and West, therefore, it could be seen as a close example to the Mediterranean countries. Secondly, is a secular country, characterized by Dual Banking system, formed by conventional and islamic banks, private and state owned. Thirdly, it belongs to the QISMUT countries that are driving Global Islamic Finance Growth, consequently Turkey could be a potential global financial Hub. 1 To my parents, To my 3 countries "seeking knowledge is like swimming in a deep Atlantic Ocean with high waves, through storms, thirst, hunger and loneliness, but once you have reached the seashore you will realize that you have obtained priceless treasures" Hajar Boulam 2 Acknowledgments: I owe this work to many people who helped me in my research process. First and foremost, I want to thank my reader, Professor Paolo Biancone , who provided me with invaluable feedback and big help. I am also thankful to Professor Maria Lucia Giuseppina for the guidance and supervision. Similarly, Dr. Nihat Gümüş’s editing and structured research was infinitely interesting and helpful. I am incredibly grateful to Şevket Can Tülümen for his enormous help, time and ​ continuous support during my journey and the MÜSİAD Association for funding ​ my research in Istanbul. I am also very grateful to the guidance of many Professors that dedicated me their time and help: Prof. Dr. H. Saduman Okumus, Vice Rector at Istanbul Ticaret Universitesi. Special Thanks to Dr. Prof Ahmet Faruk Aysan, Member of the Board & Member of the Monetary Policy Committee at Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, for his precious explanation and help. Special thanks to Dr. Mehmet Saraç, Professor of Islamic economics and Finance at Sakarya and Istanbul Universitesi. I am so thankful to the experts of 5 Participation Banks (Bank Asya, Albaraka Bank, Turkiye Finans, Kuveyt Turk Bank, Ziraat Katilim Bank) and TKBB members in Turkey who let me interview them and gave me leads to sources. 3 Furthermore, I have to thank all professionals for their precious help and priceless contribution: Mr. Ramazan Aksu, Mr. Melikşah Utku, Mr. Paul Wouter, Mr. Osman Nihat ​ ​ Yilmaz, Mr. Aydin Yabanli, Mr. Ahmet Albayrak, Mr. Muhammad Alauddin, Mr. ​ ​ Raci Kaya, Mr. Ahmet Deryol, Mr. Sherif Ayoub, Mr. Hamizi Hamzah, Ms. ​ ​ ​ Nuran Pakdemirli, Mr. Shehada Mouzahem, Mr. Abdulbari Mashal, Mr. ​ Mohammad Alsenan, Mr. Mesut Polat, Ms. Esra Yalcin, Ms. Zeynep Güran, Mr. ​ Recep Tekçam, Ms. Tuğba Yildirim, Ms. Gokcen Dogan, Ms. Vildan Velieva, Mr. Harun Yasakçi, Mr. Omer Lutfi Tama, Mr. Metin Turkay, Ms. Neşe Pektaş Zurnacı, Ms. Kübra Gökçen Doğan, Mr. Cen Öztürk and others. ​ Special Thanks to Tulumen family; my classmates Cristiana, Giulia, Emanuela, Bianca, Can, Abee, Elena, Alessandro, Simone, my friends Maria, Francesca, Francesca C. and Alessandra, my schoolmates of bachelor degree courses, and all the international friends of the italian and turkish dormitory and Edisu Team. 4 1. GENERAL LANDSCAPE 1.1. Introduction………………………………………………………….......... 8 1.2. Purpose……………………………………………………………………. 9 1.3. Methodology……………………………………………………………… 9 1.4. Structure………...…………………………………………………………. 9 2. ANALYSIS OF Z/YEN INDEX DIMENSION TO DETERMINE THE QUALIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CENTER ………………………….... 11 2.1. The evaluation of global financial hub……………………………………. 11 2.2. Methodology…………………………………………………………….... 11 2.3. Competitiveness Factors and their relative importance…………………… 12 2.4. Z/yen index, Turkish case ………………………………………………… 13 2.4.1. Business environmental sector …………………………………………. 13 2.4.2. Financial sector development……………………………………………. 15 2.4.3. Infrastructure…………………………………………………………….. .19 ​ 2.4.4. Human capital…………………………………………………………….. 22 2.4.5. Reputational and general factors ………………………………………….25 3. DESCRIPTION OF ISLAMIC FINANCE………………………………. ..27 3.1. Definition of Islam and Islamic Finance 3.1.1. The meaning of Islam and Pillars …………………………………….... 27 5 3.1.2. Islamic finance…………………………………………………………... 30 3.1.3. Meaning of Shariah & Sources ………………………………………..... 31 3.2. Sharia Compliant Financial Instruments ………………………………….. 42 3.3. Islamic Capital Market ……………………………………………………..56 3.3.1. Islamic Capital Market Instruments …………………………………….. 56 3.3.2 Definition of Sukuk ……………………………………………………….57 3.3.3. Tradable Islamic financial assets………………………………………….58 3.3.4. Classification of sukuk …………………………………………………...59 4. THE OUTLOOK OF ISLAMIC FINANCE IN TURKEY ……………....63 4.1 Background: History of Banks in Turkey……………………………………63 4.2 Statutory Progress in Islamic Banks: Banking Law reforms ………………..64 4.2.1. Ist Decree: Special Finance Houses……………………………………..64 4.2.2 II Law: Islamic Deposit Insurance Scheme …………………………… 66 4.2.3. III Law: SFH switched to Participation Banks ………………………..67 4.3. General Outlook about Banking Sector in Turkey………………………….68 4.4 Comparative ratios of Dual Banking system ………………………………..71 4.4.1 Research Method and Data ………………………………………………71 4.4.2 Results of The Analysis…………………………………………………..72 4.5. Practical visits & Interview with Participation Banks……………………... 76 4.5.1. Albaraka Participation Bank …………………………………………… 76 4.5.2 Bank Asya………………………………………………………………...82 6 4.5.3 Kuveyt Bank …………………………………………………………….. 91 ​ ​ 4.5.4 Turkiye Finans …………………………………………………………....97 ​ ​ 4.5.5 .Ziraat Katilim Bankasi …………………………………………………..97 4.5.6 TKBB Association………………………………………………………...98 ​ 5. HOW ISLAMIC BANKING TOOLS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CENTER PROJECT 5.1. Istanbul International Finance Center Project …………………………....100 ​ 6. IMPACT OF EMIGRANTS ON EUROPEAN ECONOMY AND OPENING OF ISLAMIC BANKS 6.1 History and origins of the word “Market”.....................................................107 and the oldest Arabic market 6.2 The oldest Arabic Market : Okhath………………………………………....107 6.3 Excursus of Arabic Emigrations…………………………………………....108 6.4. The effect of emigration on Consumption…………………………………111 6.5. The effect of religious restrictions on Consumption……………………….113 6.6. Islamic Finance in Europe ………………………………………………... 115 ​ 6.6.1.Islamic Finance in France …………………………………………...…. 115 ​ 6.6.2. Islamic Finance in United Kingdom…………………………………….117 6.6.3. Islamic Finance in Luxembourg………………………………………..118 6.6.4. Islamic Finance in Germany……………………………………………119 7. CONCLUSIONS…………………………………………………………….121 BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………..……………………………………... 123 7 1. GENERAL LANDSCAPE 1.1. Introduction Turkey’s first regulation for Islamic Finance was realized in the 1980s, during a period of liberalization as part of a plan to attract foreign direct investments. Interest free banking was introduced with the legalization of “special finance houses” which did not possess bank status and therefore did not benefit from banks’ privileges. The Islamic Finance sector kept evolving steadily in the 1980s and 1990s with Arab Gulf investors setting up finance houses and commencing lending activities, accommodating mainly specific religious clients. The leap for interest free banking came after the 2001 economic crisis. Banking finance legislation went through a major overhaul after the crisis. A union was formed to provide a certain level of state control and support for special finance houses. 2006 saw the introduction of Banking Law No. 5411, which legitimized participation banking and provided insurance through the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund for participation deposits. Along with these changes, the special finance houses union became the Participation Banks Association of Turkey (“TKBB”), which sets forth the ethical, professional principles for participation banks. All participation banks had to be a member of TKBB. The following years saw a rapid increase in participation banking and the 2008 global crisis highlighted the need for more stable financing. In line with the government’s support of Islamic Finance and interest free finance instruments, the World Bank Global Islamic Finance Development Center was launched on the premises of the Istanbul Stock Exchange in late 2013. 8 Turkey had various previous experiences with interest free financing in the form of profit­loss sharing certificates and real estate certificates mainly used for the financing of large infrastructure and construction projects. The issuance of sukuk was initially regulated with the Capital Markets’ Board (“CMB”), the first sovereign sukuk issuance was realized in August 2013 with significant over­subscription closing at USD 8 billion which shows huge demand for sukuk. 1.2. Purpose The objective of this paper is an attempt to elaborate Islamic Banking in Turkey, to examine whether Turkey can become an International Financial Hub by
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Dateline Downtown Volume 60 Issue 4
    Volume 60 Issue 4 March 28, 2018 DATELINE: DOWNTOWN Photo by Naomi Cardwell Harvey 6 Months Later Page 5 Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons Islamic Cultural Event Rehmatulil Alamin: “Mercy to the Universe” Page 8 March For Our Lives: Houston Astros Aim to Repeat The Call for Gun Control Page 11 EDITOR- IN- CHIEF Kara Moore 2 [email protected] Staff 713-221-8192 ASSISTANT EDITOR Jesse Uppal Got a Story? [email protected] Breaking SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Chris Joseph www.uhd.edu/student-life/ News? dateline Suggestion? [email protected] BUSINESS MANAGER Comment? Mykal Peterson [email protected] Contact 713-221-8275 Dateline: STAFF REPORTERS Angel Lopez Archie Gayle www.facebook.com/DatelineDowntown Newsdesk Delia Leal 713-221-8192 Helen Martinez Jasmine Major Submit a form on our Michael Case website Naomi Cardwell Paula Cano or EMAIL: ADVISOR editordatelinedown- Dr. Joseph Sample [email protected] SUBMISSION POLICY Dateline Downtown welcomes submissions to the editor from any member of the UH system. Submissions should Sales be no more than 800 words, include the author’s full name, www.instagram.com/ phone number or email address, and affi liation with the datelinedowntownhtx & University, including classifi cation and major. Writers Advertising Guidelines are available on the UHD/dateline webpage or Dateline-Downtown.comAnonymous submissions will not be published. Sales Desk Deliver submissions to room S-260, email them to 713-221-8275 [email protected] or fax them to (713) 221 8569. Letters to the Editor and reader submissions may be edited for space, content, spelling, grammar and mali- cious, vulgar, or hateful statements.
    [Show full text]
  • Islamic Rituals and the Construction of Muslim Identity
    The Journal of Society & Media 2017, Vol. 1(2) 1-18 https://journal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/jsm/index IBADAT, THE BODY AND IDENTITY: ISLAMIC RITUALS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF MUSLIM IDENTITY Medhy Aginta Hidayat Department of Sociology, Trunojoyo University Madura Email: [email protected] Abstract This library-based theoretical paper examines three types of Islamic rituals or ibadat, that is salat, sawm and hajj, to understand the important of embodied rituals in the construction of Muslim identity. By utilizing several key theoretical ideas including Durkheim‟s Sacred and Profane, Bell‟s ritual and ritualization, and Whitehouse‟s modes of religiosity, this paper corroborates the previous findings in the religious and sociological studies that the body plays an important role for the construction of identity, including religious identity such as Muslim identity. This embodied or ritualized body, with its characteristics of formality, fixity, and repetition, constructs, upholds, enforces and maintains Muslim identity through its rituals of salat, sawm and hajj. Keywords: identity, religious identity, embodied identity, Muslim identity, ritualization Introduction This paper examines the role of Islamic rituals in the construction of Muslim identity. Specifically, three types of Islamic rituals or ibadat are analyzed in this paper: salat, sawm and hajj. These three types of Islamic rituals are chosen deliberately as an explicit example of the embodied rituals in Islam. Catherine Bell‟s ideas of ritual and ritualization, and Harvey Whitehouse‟s concept of the modes of religiosity will be utilized as a frame of analysis. The first section of this paper reviews the sociological concept and definition of religion, and especially the important role of the Sacred and the Profane in religion.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 8 – Part 1: Pages 402 -417 Teacher Notes
    Chapter 8 – Part 1: Pages 402 -417 Teacher Notes I. Major geographic qualities of South Asia (page 402) 1. This realms borders are clearly defined, by mountains, deserts and the Indian Ocean 2. The rivers of this region have supported life for over 10,000 years (the Ganges) 3. The realm takes up about 3% of Earth’s land but contains about 23% of the world’s population 4. With their current birthrate, this realm will become the world’s most populated in a decade 5. Poverty is very common, subpar nutrition and poor health 6. imprints of former British occupation still remain. Boundaries and culture 7. Monsoon season is vital to millions of everyday lives. Failure of the season would cause an economic disaster 8. Strong cultural regionalism, caused from many different invading armies and cultures. (Greeks, Mongols, Muslims, British) 9. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam all have very strong roots in this realm. 10. India is the most powerful nation in the region. Issues with many of its neighbors 11. Kashmir, a region of great tension between India and Pakistan (Both nuclear powers) II. Defining the Realm (page 402-404) British drew many of the modern-day borders In 1947 the division occurred, large migrations of different groups, many people died Pakistan (East & West), India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, & Maldives make up this realm English is the lingua franca (common language) III. Physiographic Regions of South Asia (page 404 - 407) Mountains help sustain life (snow melt sustains rivers) Mountains are dangerous (2005, series of earthquakes killed 70,000 & displaced 3 million) Mountains are often used by fugitive terrorist leaders Realm itself is very diverse in terms of environment – Himalayas, desert, tropics Monsoons – Annual rains that are vital to everyday life in this realm (Agriculture) India has the largest paddy output in the world (4th largest rice exporter in the world) Major part of cultural life in certain regions (Harvest Festivals) 2) Regions: A.
    [Show full text]
  • Five Pillars of Islam
    Five Pillars of Islam 1 Five Pillars of Islam pillars of the religion") are five" ﺃﺭﻛﺎﻥ ﺍﻟﺪﻳﻦ also arkān ad-dīn ;ﺃﺭﻛﺎﻥ ﺍﻹﺳﻼﻡ The Five Pillars of Islam (arkān-al-Islām basic acts in Islam, considered obligatory by Sunni Muslims. These are summarized in the famous Hadith of Gabriel.[1] [2] [3] [4] The Qur'an presents them as a framework for worship and a sign of commitment to the faith. They are (1) the shahada (creed), (2) daily prayers (salat), (3) fasting during Ramadan (sawm), (4) almsgiving (zakāt), and (5) the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime.[5] [6] The minority Shi'i and majority Sunni both agree on the essential details for the performance of these acts,[7] [8] but the Shi'a do not refer to them by the same name (see Theology of Twelvers and Aspects of the Religion for Twelvers and Seven pillars of Ismailism). The Five Pillars Shahada Shahadah is a saying professing monotheism and accepting Muhammad as God's messenger.[9] The shahadah is a set statement normally recited in Arabic: (ašhadu an) lā ilāha illá l-Lāhu (wa ashhadu 'anna) Muḥammadan rasūlu l-Lāhi "(I profess that) there is no god except God and (I profess that) Muhammad is the Messenger of God." Also, it is said that when dying one should recite this declaration of faith. In Azaan (call to prayer) it is recited. When a person wishes to convert religions they should recite this affirmation and believe in it.[10] Salat Salat is the Islamic prayer.
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf (495.31 K)
    39 Fatimah Al-Shamrani & Nermeen Mohamed Ergonomic factors impacting bag design: a pilot study on Hajj and Umrah bags Fatimah Ahmed Al-Shamrani Ph.D. student, Fashion Design, College of Human Sciences and Designs, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia Prof. Nermeen Abdel Basset Mohamed Professor of Fashion Design, College of Human Sciences and Designs, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Abstract: Keywords: Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims, during which more than two Hajj million people from different parts of the world come together in a small region. Bags Therefore, the idea behind this research stems from a deep interest in giving due Hajj bags selection criteria care to Hajj and Umrah performers in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's design 2030 vision, by rendering top-notch services to pilgrims. The current research aims to analyze the bags available in the local markets in light of ergonomics. This is along with identifying the factors that impact the selection of bags by Hajj and Umrah performers. The research adopts the descriptive analytical approach due to its appropriateness to fulfill the objectives of the research. The researcher conducted a pilot study that played a major role before conducting a large-scale research project as it was composed of small-sized, preliminary studies aiming at finding out whether the basic components of the main study can be achieved. The pilot study aims to identify the types of bags used by Hajj and Umrah performers, explore the problems associated with bags used, and understand the factors that pilgrims' choices. This is achieved through describing and inferring the relationship between ergonomics and bag design.
    [Show full text]
  • HAJJ HANDBOOK Perfecting the Journey
    HAJJ HANDBOOK Perfecting the Journey FINAL DRAFT FOR 2009 With spiritual insights from Shaykh Zulfiqar Ahmad (may Allah preserve him) Compiled by Husain Abdul Sattar © 2009 Sacred Learning. All rights reserved. Please submit all corrections and comments to http://www.sacredlearning.org Introduction...................................................................................................................................................3 General Considerations ..................................................................................................................................3 Types of Hajj .................................................................................................................................................3 1.0 The Umrah of Hajj Qiran........................................................................................................................4 1.1 The Umrah of Hajj Tamattu....................................................................................................................6 2.0 Day One ..................................................................................................................................................8 3.0 Day Two................................................................................................................................................10 4.0 Day Three..............................................................................................................................................11 5.0 Day Four................................................................................................................................................14
    [Show full text]
  • Fulltext (1.106Mb)
    ) IJHSDR GUEST EDITORS Dr. Saiful Anwar Matondang International Multicultural Network, Indonesia Dr. Abdullah Ishiklar Bursa Technical University, Turkey ASSISTANT EDITORS Alessio Stilo University of Padova, Italy Kursat Tutar Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University, Turkey Alireza Akbari Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium Slavomir Bucher Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Slovak Republic TECHNICAL EDITORS Mihaela Culea University of Bacau, Romania Esi Marius Costel Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Romania Gerasimos T. Soldatos American University of Economics, Greece Ulviyya Aydin Manisa Celal Bayar University, Turkey Belkacem Belmekki University of Oran , Algeria IJHSDR SPECIAL ISSUE: Asian Social and Education Table of Contents MUHAMMAD NAU RITONGA Education Management of Principal with Teacher Teaching Achievement …………………....….6 NURHIDAYAH HASIBUAN Using Songs as Teaching Media for the Narrative Skill at Elementary School …..………………..15 SULAIMAN The effect of professionalism and placement of Human Resources on Academic Services in University of Jabal Ghafur, Sigli…………………………………………………………………..…29 SUMARJO Effect of physical fitness on Student Learning Achievement ……………………………………….42 ASNAWATI MATONDANG Teacher response to internal communication implementation done by school principal and its effect on Teacher Spirit ……………………………………………………………………...53 ZUBERUDDIN SIREGAR Word Square Learning Model for Economics Subjects in Vocation School…………………..…. 65 RARAS SUTATMININGSIH and DEDY QALBU HADI Psychology Study on the Pilgrimage Hajj Experience
    [Show full text]
  • Manasik (Rituals) of Hajj in Brief
    Manasik (Rituals) of Hajj in Brief by Ayatullah al-Uzma Khamenei Title of the Book: Manasik of Hajj in Brief Author: Ayatollah al-'Uzma Sayyid Ali Khamene'i Publisher: Department of Translation and Publication. Islamic Culture and Relations Organisation. Address: P.O. Box 14155 - 6187. Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 1st Edition: 1418 A.H. (1997) ISBN 964-472-046-6 On-line: http://www.wilayah.ir/en/library/hajj.php 1 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 5 CONDITIONS FOR THE OBLIGATION OF HAJJ IN ISLAM............................................ 5 A and B. Maturity and sanity. Hajj is not incumbent on the children and the insane........ 5 C. Having financial istita'ah, physical health and ability, and free access and sufficient time. .................................................................................................................................... 5 MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES OF ISTITA'AH................................................................. 7 NIYABAH IN HAJJ ............................................................................................. 12 SECONDARY ISSUES RELATED TO NIYABAH ......................................................... 13 TYPE OF 'UMRAH .............................................................................................. 16 TYPES OF HAJJ................................................................................................. 16 HAJJ AL-IFRAD AND 'UMRAH MUFRADAH ............................................................
    [Show full text]
  • I a STUDY of WEST ASIA THROUGH the PRISM of SHIA-SUNNI
    i A STUDY OF WEST ASIA THROUGH THE PRISM OF SHIA-SUNNI CONFLICT: IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA A Dissertation submitted to the Panjab University, Chandigarh in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Master of Philosophy in Social Sciences By Brigadier Rakesh Manocha, SM, VSM (Roll No. 4420) Under the guidance of Dr Sachin Chowdhry 44th Advance Professional Programme In Public Administration (2018-19) Indian Institute of Public Administration New Delhi ii CERTIFICATE I have the pleasure to certify that Brig Rakesh Manocha, SM, VSM has pursued his research work and prepared the present dissertation titled ‘A Study of West Asia through the Prism of Shia-Sunni Conflict: Implications for India’ under my guidance and supervision. The dissertation is the result of his own research and to the best of my knowledge, no part of it has earlier comprised any other monograph, dissertation or book. This is being submitted to the Panjab University, Chandigarh, in partial fulfilment of award of Master of Philosophy in Social Sciences based on curriculum of Advance Professional Programme in Public Administration (APPPA) at Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi. I recommend that the dissertation of Brig Rakesh Manocha, SM, VSM is worthy of consideration for the award of M.Phil degree of Panjab University, Chandigarh. Dr Sachin Chowdhry Supervisor and Guide IIPA, Delhi iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT At the outset I wish to acknowledge the opportunity provided by the Indian Institute of Public Administration, Delhi to pursue research on the fascinating subject of West Asia through the prism of Sectarian Divide in the post American invasion of 2003 and its repercussions on India.
    [Show full text]
  • Welcome to the Guests of Allah
    WELCOME TO THE GUESTS OF ALLAH MAKKAH CITY GUIDE SaudiaUmrah.com 1 INTRODUCTION USEFUL INFORMATION Makkah Al Mukaramah is Muslims’ Qibla (Praying Direction) and the heart of the Islamic world, the cradle of revelation and the holiest city in Islam. The city is the birthplace of Prophet Mohammed “Peace be upon him” and it is here within the Great Mosque that the Ka’aba, the most sacred shrine of Islam, awaits the Muslim pilgrim in Where GMT/UTC Number of guests Hajj & Umrah. South East + 3h Million Discover Makkah Al Mukaramah, the most sacred land Asia yearly on earth and learn more about the religious and historical 15 places you must visit during your Umrah. WEATHER Average temperature during the year 30 38 43 40 Jan Apr Jul Oct 18 24 28 25 31 42 42 35 Feb May Aug Nov 18 27 29 22 34 44 42 31 Mar Jun Sep Dec 20 28 28 20 Maximum Minimum 2 SaudiaUmrah.com SaudiaUmrah.com 3 1. Jabal Al Nour (The Mountain of Light) The mountain houses the famed Ghar Hira HISTORICAL PLACES or Hira cave. The mountain is barely 640 m tall. It does however, take two hours to TO VISIT make it to the cave. The mount and the cave hold tremendous signicance for Muslims throughout the world. 2. Ghar Hira (Hira Cave) Taking 1,200 walking steps to reach, the cave itself is about 3.7 m in length and 1.6 m in width. The cave is situated at a height of 270 m of Jabal Al Nour Mountain.
    [Show full text]
  • Muslim Practices
    MUSLIM PRACTICES STUDENT INFORMATION BOOKLET THE FIVE PILLARS, THE TEN OBLIGATORY ACTS AND THE SHAHADAH Key terms: The Five pillars: The Five Pillars of Islam The five most 8. Nahi Anil Munkar – discouraging people from doing what The Five Pillars are central to Muslim practices, and they have a great impact on important duties daily life. Muslims believe that they support the main principles and beliefs of is wrong. for all Muslims: to Islam, just as pillars are used to support a building. They can be seen as the 9. Tawallah – to be loving towards the friends of God, believe, to pray, key to living a perfect Muslim life. They help to give Muslims an identity as one including Muhammad and the Imams. to give to charity, community who share a faith, and enable them to show their obedience and 10. Tabarra – disassociating from the enemies of God. to fast and to go dedication to God. on pilgrimage. Shahadah The Ten The Five Pillars are: The basic belief of Islam is expressed in the Shahadah. In Obligatory Acts: Ten important 1. Shahadah – the declaration of faith. Arabic it is ‘La ilaha illa Allah wa – Muhammad rasul Allah’ duties for Shi’a 2. Salah – prayer. which in English translates to ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah’. Sincerely reciting this Muslims, which 3. Zakah – charitable giving. include the Five statement in front of Muslim witnesses is the only 4. Sawm – fasting. pillars. 5. Hajj – pilgrimage. requirement for joining the Muslim community. It is recited Shahadah: This is many times during a lifetime.
    [Show full text]
  • The Origins of the Circassian Mamluks a Subject of Myth-Making
    Milana Yu. Iliushina THE ORIGINS OF THE CIRCASSIAN MAMLUKS A SUBJECT OF MYTH-MAKING BASIC RESEARCH PROGRAM WORKING PAPERS SERIES: HUMANITIES WP BRP 64/HUM/2014 This Working Paper is an output of a research project implemented as part of the Basic Research Program at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE). Any opinions or claims contained in this Working Paper do not necessarily reflect the views of HSE. Milana Yu. Iliushina1 THE ORIGINS OF THE CIRCASSIAN MAMLUKS A SUBJECT OF MYTH-MAKING2 Myth, legend, and history appear as constituent components in the ideology of a ruling elite. If the ruling elite is foreign, the ideology acquires a distinctive colouring. A noble lineage which could be traced to common roots shared with the autochthonous population of the country was seen by Mamluks as a tool to maintain and support their authority. A version concerning the origins of the Circassian Mamluks can be found in al-‘Ayni’s treatise which stated that the forefathers of the Circassian Sultan Tatar had been Arabs of the Ghassan tribe. The legendary version of the origin of the Circassian Mamluks narrated reveals an important aspect, which directed and shaped the development of the ideology of the Egyptian ruling elite: the eagerness of the Mamluk sultans and their entourage to find and demonstrate a relation, if remote and vague, to the country’s local population. In the Ottoman period of Egypt, a completely different political landscape together with a new socio-cultural reality necessitated the transformation of the myth: changed are the name of the forefather, his tribal affiliation and certain plot details.
    [Show full text]